National Night Out Enhances that Sense of Community
August 9, 2019
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson David Taylor, 11, sits atop HPD’s Harley Davidson motorcycle.
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson The tires of the monster truck are so big that Liam has no problem taking a break while his sister Charlotte Stone is held by Lisa Landry.
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson Freddy the Fire Truck teaches all the children as seen here with Piper, 3, and Norah, 3, that it is very important to “check your smoke detectors” when you get home.
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson After three direct hits and Officer Downey still has not fallen into the water; Danny Donahue takes matters into his own hands and smashed the bulls-eye with his hand to dunk Officer Downey. Everyone cheered for Danny!
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson After three direct hits and Officer Downey still has not fallen into the water; Danny Donahue takes matters into his own hands and smashed the bulls-eye with his hand to dunk Officer Downey. Everyone cheered for Danny!
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson Sporting his HPD badge, Jordan Colon is miles of smiles as he loves his newly painted face.
- Staff photo by Doug Robinson David, 13 months, while sitting atop the saddle, appears to have second thoughts about his ride on Oliver, while Sam holds him steady and Quintin (blue) looks on.
by Doug Robinson
The Hudson Police Department and the Rodgers Memorial Library teamed up to bring “National Night Out” to Hudson. This exciting event was designed to promote family fun and to build community between citizens and their police.
“The event has been held annually since 1984, and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. National Night Out began simply with neighbors turning on their porch lights and sitting in front of their home,” writes National Night Out.
In addition, “National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.”
During the Night Out, the HPD was available to put the focus on working together, more specifically, on building closer relationships with the public. HPD officers volunteered their time and their knowledge to speak with Hudson citizens on any topic of concern.
The huge block party was held on the grounds of the Rodgers Memorial Library. The event was so well attended that the parking lot of Alvirne High School required a police officer to direct traffic for the safety of all.
As the evening progressed, the parking spaces at AHS continued to fill, and the lines to dunk HPD School Resource Officer Downey grew longer and longer.
The activities included a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, giant games, face painting, many community and informational booths, as well as a photo booth, spreading across the fields of the Rodgers Memorial Library for all to enjoy.
As the sun began to set, the water balloons appeared. HPD versus the children. Who won? Simply said: The town of Hudson won.
The night concluded with families spreading out blankets, chairs, coolers, and community, as they all watched the outdoor movie, “Missing Link.”